A Lurantis' mimicry is not as exact as a Ditto's or a Sudowoodo's, but it does not need to be in order to lure its targets. Some see a Scizor in its red coloring, but its face, blades, and green highlights bear more resemblance to a Scyther's, and when these pokemon first appeared in Kanto, more than a few individuals saw a resemblance to a samurai's clothing – a resemblance which has grown far more pronounced in the subspecies found outside of Alola. But all three of these disguises share a legendary aptitude for swordplay, and mimicry is nothing if not a form of communication; Lurantis find sparring partners from people and pokemon who would never dream of clashing blades with another grass-type pokemon.
Perhaps the reason Lurantis never evolved to converge more exactly with another sword-wielder is that they seek to lure more than one type of target. While the strong are drawn in so Lurantis can test itself, weaker trainers and their pokemon are more likely to note Lurantis' resemblance to a rare, nearly extinct fruit (it is debatable whether it can fairly be classified as a berry) said to double the power of anyone who consumes it.
Seeking, much as the Lurantis do, a shortcut to greatness, they see in the pokemon's striped pants – or sometimes in its sickles – a legendary item that offers a quick path to power in battle, or riches beyond their wildest dreams. There are those who consider this the source of Lurantis' red coloring, for these pokemon, rather than relying solely on sunlight, are covered in the blood of their hapless prey. But as the fruit has grown rarer, and Lurantis more common, this ruse can only tempt the stupid or greedy - yet somehow, Lurantis today remain as red as their ancestors.
